Big Spring Herald

Profession­al assistance tailored to individual needs

- By LEIGHTON CACHERE Texas A&M AgriLife

How valuable is it to actively manage your forestland? Landowners can now explore the added financial and environmen­tal benefits of land management through the Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Stewardshi­p Dashboard.

The new website highlights both the values and stories of the state agency’s Forest Stewardshi­p Program. The program helps landowners achieve their property goals, increase their profits, sustain environmen­tal functions and improve the overall health of their land by providing profession­al assistance tailored to individual needs.

Data through the dashboard

“The new dashboard demonstrat­es the value that managed forests have versus non-managed forests,” said Shane Harrington, Texas A&M Forest Service program leader. “This can vary, but includes increased growth ¾ meaning more timber and direct profit, and higher quality water and air, creating healthier lives for Texans.”

One way the dashboard showcases this added value is through data. For example, when landowners steward their land, forests can produce up to 53 more tons of wood per acre during their lifetime.

“The values section of the dashboard estimates economic values related to increased timber production, carbon sequestrat­ion, water management and wildlife habitat,” said Harrington. Testimonia­ls Along with values, the dashboard also features video and testimonia­l stories of Texas landowners who have seen financial and environmen­tal benefits from land stewardshi­p.

“The dashboard stories highlight the important initiative­s across the state that are working to enhance natural resources,” said Harrington.

Working together, Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas landowners can move toward a brighter future with thriving forestland­s, healthy economic rewards and sustained environmen­tal benefits, he said.

To learn more about the Forest Stewardshi­p Pro

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States